Gary Emmitt Parrish

Gary Emmitt Parrish, 91, a longtime resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, and recently Baton Rouge, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Gary was born on August 15, 1933, in Monroe, as the first child of Emmitt Harvey Parrish and Dottie Hendricks Parrish. He was educated at Ouachita High School in Monroe, LA, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology at Northeast Louisiana University. This was followed by a commission in the US Army Reserves, where he attained the rank of Captain while earning a Master of Science in Geology at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He served 15 years in the US Army Reserves.

Gary began his career in the oil industry with John McCarter and Associates in Monroe, LA. This was followed by employment at Union Producing Co in Monroe, LA, Jackson, MS, and Lafayette, LA. He was then employed by Pennzoil and Apexco before joining Frank W. Harrison as an Independent Geologist. His career spanned 60 years in the oil and gas industry.

Gary was an active member of First Baptist Church in Lafayette for nearly 60 years.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, ancestral research and had a lifelong love of flying. He attained his private pilot’s license in 1990.

Survivors include a son, Gary E. Parrish, Jr. of Baton Rouge; a daughter, Amy P. Maronge (Michael) of Baton Rouge; grandchild, Katherine E. Maronge; brother, Ted Parrish (Donna); and sisters, Ann Phillips (Wendell), Joy Alford, and Janice Doss Owen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Marilyn Rogers Parrish, his parents, and sister, Mary Jo Wannamaker.

Funeral services at Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Rd, Monroe, LA, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2:00P.M. with visitation beginning at 12:00P.M. Services will be conducted by Dr. Steve Horn, Executive Director, Louisiana Baptist Convention. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, 623 US-80, Monroe, LA. 

Pallbearers will be Garrett Antley, Mike Antley, Chris Hughes, Drew Jarrell, McCain Jarrell, and Scott Wannamaker. 

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the medical staff at Amedisys Home Health, Ochsner Medical Center, and St. Joseph’s Hospice, and the many friends who provided prayers, assistance, and support. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, or the charity of your choice.